why do people yawn?

Question

my boss wants to know

Answer 1

to take in large amounts of oxygen to the brain.

Answer 2

Tell your boss it's because his discussions are boring!




But If you want a serious answer there are 3 main theories

* The Physiological Theory -- Our bodies induce yawning to drawn in more oxygen or remove a build-up of carbon dioxide. This theory helps explain why we yawn in groups. Larger groups produce more carbon dioxide, which means our bodies would act to draw in more oxygen and get rid of the excess carbon dioxide. However, if our bodies make us yawn to drawn in needed oxygen, wouldn't we yawn during exercise? Robert Provine, a psychologist at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and a leading expert on yawning, has tested this theory. Giving people additional oxygen didn't decrease yawning and decreasing the amount of carbon dioxide in a subject's environment also didn't prevent yawning.

* The Evolution Theory -- Some think that yawning is something that began with our ancestors, who used yawning to show their teeth and intimidate others. An offshoot of this theory is the idea that yawning developed from early man as a signal for us to change activities.

* The Boredom Theory -- In the dictionary, yawning is
said to be caused by boredom, fatigue or drowsiness. Although we do tend to yawn when bored or tired, this theory doesn't explain why Olympic athletes yawn right before they compete in their event. It's doubtful that they are bored with the world watching them.

Answer 3

A yawn (synonyms chasma, oscitation from the Latin verb oscitare, to open the mouth wide[1]) is a reflex of deep inhalation and exhalation associated with being tired, with a need to sleep, or from lack of stimulation. Pandiculation is the term for the act of stretching and yawning. Yawning is a powerful non-verbal message with several possible meanings, depending on the circumstances. It is also claimed to help increase the state of alertness of a person.

The exact causes of yawning are still unknown.

A previous long-standing hypothesis is that yawning is caused by an excess of carbon dioxide and lack of oxygen in the blood. The brain stem detects this and triggers the yawn reflex. The mouth stretches wide and the lungs inhale deeply, bringing oxygen into the lungs and hence to the bloodstream. It is almost certain, however, that this hypothesis is not correct. One study has documented that this effect does not exist.[2]

A more recent hypothesis is that yawning is used for regulation of body temperature. Another hypothesis is that yawns are caused by the same chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain that affect emotions, mood, appetite and other phenomena. These chemicals include serotonin, dopamine, glutamic acid and nitric oxide. As more of these compounds are activated in the brain, the frequency of yawning increases. Conversely, a greater presence in the brain of opiate neurotransmitters such as endorphins reduces the frequency of yawning. Patients taking the serotonin reuptake inhibitor Paxil (Paroxetine HCl) have been observed yawning abnormally often.

Another theory is that yawning is similar to stretching. Stretching, like yawning, increases blood pressure and heart rate while also flexing many muscles and joints. It is also theorized that yawning helps redistribute an oil-like substance which coats the lungs and aids breathing. Some have observed that if you try to stifle or prevent a yawn by clenching your jaws shut, the yawn is unsatisfying. As such, the stretching of jaw and face muscles seems to be necessary for a good yawn.

Yet another theory is that yawning occurs to stabilize pressure on either side of the ear drums. The deep intake of air can sometimes cause a popping sound that only the yawner can hear; this is the pressure on the inner ear stabilizing. This commonly occurs in lower-pressure environments, such as inside an airplane, which cause the eardrums to be bent instead of flat.

Certain superstitions surround the act of yawning. The most common of these is the belief that it is necessary to cover one's mouth when one is yawning in order to prevent one's soul from escaping the body. The Ancient Greeks believed that yawning was not a sign of boredom, but that a person's soul was trying to escape from its body, so that it may rest with the gods in the skies. This belief was also shared by the Maya.[citation needed]

Some say that yawning is caused by the Devil, who sends evil spirits to enter a person's body when their mouth is open. Thus, covering one's mouth prevents the evil spirits from entering. It is also why some people close a baby's mouth when it yawns.

Answer 4

Because when theyre are understimulated and tired the're breathing will slow down and they will take in and expel less oxygen and carbon dioxide, yawning corrects the deficit by intaking a huge amount of oxygen and expelling a huge amount of carbon dioxide, thats why we breathe inwards deeply before opening our mouths to yawn but we may not always realise this

Answer 5

lots of people will be answering that it occurs due to lack of oxygen to the brain but there is no evidence of this. No one knows for sure why you yawn but it has been shown that still developing babies yawn whilst still in the womb and that it is essential for there lung development.

Answer 6

When your brain is tired, its its way of getting more oxygen to try and wake up abit. Yawning's a funny old thing, when you see someone do it, you do it - just thinking about it now has made me do it twice lol

Answer 7

the body requires more oxygen in the body so triggers a yawn where you take in a deeper breath and therefore more oxygen.

Answer 8

yawning is when your body begins to relax and breathing slows down so we yawn to get more oxygen

Answer 9

Hi, You yawn because your lungs need more oxygen, if you breathe deep breaths this helps.

Answer 10

i guess people yawn due to the lack of rest.its one of the signs that show your tired.